wordpress - trackbacks & automated ping

From now on, i will mainly concentrate on wordpress especially under the wordpress category. So, all you readers will not have any hurdles of sorting and searching the posts. If you are new to wordpress or want to make your wordpress into effective looks and functions, you can now start reading all posts under wordpress category.

trackback is quite an important function in wordpress. First of all, if you want to reference someone else’s post, you can use trackbacks. It is important we try to write our own words if you want to share truly. I am writing everything all on my own, granted, I cannot basically write alot but I am very proud of what i wrote to share with all you readers. 

In order to use trackbacks, just point to the original source of URL and when ping is successful, a link to your blogpost will be showed as a comment in a remote post. You can see an example here when I ping my own post from another one.  Therefore, your site will be displayed on original author’s blog comment, which is very good for displaying your URL on another site, also you actually give credit for using a reference. So, my point is, give credit to anyone when credit is due. You will be credited when you use your own words. 

Moreover, you can do automated ping services on the internet, that index hundreds of thousands of blog entries everyday. There are a few popular blog indexing services, of course, i will definitely list them here.

To update automated ping services,

Click settings, writings, scroll down.

You will see at the bottom, the title “Update Services”

there you can copy and paste these servers here for auto-ping as soon as your post is published.

http://rpc.pingomatic.com/ http://api.moreover.com/ping http://api.my.yahoo.com/rss/ping http://blogsearch.google.com/ping/RPC2 http://ping.bitacoras.com http://ping.feedburner.com http://ping.syndic8.com/xmlrpc.php http://rpc.blogrolling.com/pinger/ http://rpc.icerocket.com:10080/ http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping http://rpc.weblogs.com/RPC2 http://topicexchange.com/RPC2 http://www.blogdigger.com/RPC2 http://www.blogoole.com/ping/ http://www.popdex.com/addsite.php http://www.wasalive.com/ping/ http://www.weblogues.com/RPC/ http://blogping.unidatum.com/RPC2/ http://api.my.yahoo.com/RPC2 http://ping.blo.gs/

Separate each URL with Linebreak and you are good to go. Make sure you save changes and all done.

So, when you publish one post, wordpress will notify the ping services above, subsequently facilitaing your post to many sources and get your post more exposure.

Comments and suggestions welcome. And reference to my posts are more than welcome.   

Thanks for reading.

Keep track of your wordpress comments

Communication is a key to success

I would repeat this over and over again, because it is forever true. When you have a blog, you are most likely to have visitors, in order to gain visitors, i will later publish more information about website submission and promotion. 

Back to the topic, communications with your readers/visitors are always important. You create a blog, you are responsible for creating a sense of community, therefore, it is critical to get to know your readers. 

This  is a courtesy of wordpress and Mark Jaquith

Subscribe to Comments is a robust plugin that enables commenters to sign up for e-mail notification of subsequent entries. The plugin includes a full-featured subscription manager that your commenters can use to unsubscribe to certain posts, block all notifications, or even change their notification e-mail address!

You can download "subscribe to comments" here.

The installation procedure is 

1. Put subscribe-to-comments.php into [wordpress_dir]/wp-content/plugins/
2. Go into the WordPress admin interface and activate the plugin
3. Optional: if your WordPress theme doesn't have the comment_form hook, or if you would like to manually determine where in your comments form the subscribe checkbox appears, enter this where you would like it: 
4. Optional: If you would like to enable users to subscribe to comments without having to first leave a comment, place this somewhere in your template, but make sure it is outside the comments form. A good place would be right after the ending  tag for the comments form: 

FAQs

How can I tell if it's working?

1. Log out of WordPress
2. Leave a comment on an entry and check the comment subscription box, using an e-mail that is NOT the WP admin e-mail address or the e-mail address of the author of the post.
3. Leave a second comment using a different e-mail address than the one you used in step 2 (it can be a bogus address).
4. This should trigger a notification to the first address you used.

I'd like the subscription checkbox to be checked by default. Can I do that?

Not anymore. But the checkbox status will be remembered on a per-user basis.

My subscription checkbox shows up in a strange place. How do I fix it?

Try unchecking the CSS "clear" option. Beyond that, you're on your own with CSS positioning.

Any comments and suggestions welcome.

Thank you for reading.

.

Blog Blog Blog A to Z

BLOG is one of the most popular words in 21st century. I must admit Blog has challenged the Internet world into a whole new level. 

The most important thing is, what do you want to blog about?

My answer would be WRITE anything that you love to do for FREE.. At the same time, you optimise your website in order to earn some money. I may be able to give you ideas to earn more than enough, but as I have mentioned before, you need determination, dedication and decision to stick with your plan in order to do what you love and make money. That is the most important thing if you decide to start your own income for what you do.

Another thing would be, WRITE regularly.  I have seen thousands of blogs that is not more than 5 entries, and yet I still find it very enjoyable or useful to read. But the lack of commitment makes many blogs fail. So, make sure you have 10-15 minutes of your time to write your blog.

In addition, WRITE original, I would love to read somewhat original, so would you? The most important thing about sharing information is "to give the way you want to receive". So, be original. Copy Paste is definitely easy, I have tried it, but it is exactly like living in a shadow of someone else. When you want to share something, you want to share what's real from you. I would do the same, so should you.

Moreover, WRITE on your comments, Honestly, write back on your comments when someone has commented you. Either good or bad comment, It is always good to discuss on different point of view.  Your readers are heart and soul of your website/blog.  The interactions and communications with your readers/visitors are your Strength and Opportunities of your website/blog success.

Finally, WRITE with Limits, which is very important factor as well. I tend to write minimum 250 words and not exceed 900 words. Average readers, possible non-english native speakers, may read about 5-10 seconds per line, which is about 15 words. I would not spend more than 5-7 minutes on each article, but may spend another 5-7 minute on another one. READing is partly scanning and screening of your post, so if you don't offer something that's true as you mention, the reader will be bounced off your site. So, 250-900 words per post would be the best choice. Plus, most pay per post blog would require at least 200 words minimum, so you would cover that as well. 

These days, reviews are very popular and everyone is so psyched about getting paid by writing reviews on products or services. For me, they are great, you can use them as pay per post for additional income, but with automated ads generation, you absolutely don't want to do the same of what others do. Because it will also be under the same marketing schemes. There are many advertisers out there, trying to promote unique products, new merchandises and interesting services. Some Internet gurus may say just blog to just onething you like to do. But we are humans, we love to do a lot to things, we like to converse in many topics. However, it is important that you create the keywords and phrases (tags and topics in wordpress) as well as your contents to be tidy, always categorize and blog neatly. I believe that will bring variety of visitors, no matter what the outcome it would have been.

For me, I would love to share my knowledge rather than expecting you to click my ads and referrals.  The key to succcess is communications and true sense of FREE offer. Of course, advertisement optimization would play a role for getting paid. But I firmly believe when people enjoy what you share, they would give you a favour by clicking a one ad or two because this is exactly what I do. Even I am visiting hideous website with terrible banners, if I appreciate what the site offers me, I would click away after I am done reading or checking out.

So, to recap, 

1. Write Anything you love
2. Write Regularly on schedule 
3. Write Original 
4. Write On your comments &
5. Write With Limits

Comments and suggestions always welcome.

source: Nanda Linn Aung's official blog

Adding Akismet plug-in in wordpress

What is Akismet?

It is a plug-in for wordpress for controlling spammers on comments. Without Akismet, you might have problem managing your valuable posts.  Because 87% of wordpress comments are known to be spams and you would not want any of spams on your wordpress blog.

Where I can get it?

It is actually built-in your wordpress 2.0.xx or later. You just login as an admin, go to plugins, activate the Akismet.. As I have stated how to add google analytics in your wordpress post, you should have wordpress account created when you decided to start making money on blogging. :)

Once you have your account created on www.wordpress.com, you have to activate via email to validate, as soon as you are validated, you will receive an email including the API key that is required for Akismet plug-in. Alternatively, you can login to wordpress.com and go to your profile and view the API key.

Under plug-in configuration of Akismet, all you have to do is enter API key and you are good to go. It is that easy. :)

What else besides wordpress?

Don't feel disappointed that I am only talking about wordpress, you may also use Akismet in many other applications. So, if you have any other applications mentioned below, you may also want to integrate and administer Akismet.

• Drupal Module
• phpBB Mod
• Blojsom blogging software
• Bloxsom blogging software (code link)
• Geeklog module
• Serendiptity spam protection includes Akismet
• Nucleus Plugin
• b2evolution Plugin
• Spam Karma + Akismet (WordPress plugin)
• PunBB (forum software) mod
• Expression Engine
• Coppermine (photo gallery) mod
• Akismet for MT by Stepan Riha
• Lifetype blogging software
• Simple Machine Forums
• Phorum
• tDiary (Japanese)
• MyBulletinBoard
• PostNuke
• Joomla by Walter Cedric

Adding google analytics to your wordpress

Good day again..

Adding google analytics to your wordpress

Today, I will move to setting up the wordpress on your website, it is mostly very easy to most of the webhosting, or if you are using wordpress.com blog or blogger.com blog. 

From my experience, it is easy to edit blogger.com blog account to set up google analytics and i will not go into details (you can edit the html and insert the google analytics codes and you are done). However, my main focus is to earn money by using wordpress. I am actually using blogger.com to mirror all my postings there as a backup as well... So, I will sometimes include the use of blogger as well.

What is wordpress?

The website you are looking at now, http://infomm.com is created with entirely wordpress materials. It is important to register as a user at www.wordpress.com to get an account active. More information related to having an account at wordpress will be revealed later.

Most hosting services (PHP hosting) will have wordpress auto-installer, commonly known as Fantastico installer, with Fantastico installer, you can install wordpress blog in a couple of minutes. 

Otherwise, if you would like to install manually, you will have to visit www.wordpress.com and download the zip or tar ball file, manually install on your server.

What is google analytics?

Google analytics are tools that you can basically find out what's going on with your website, it is a free service and fantastic stats you can learn for your website.  I will quote a bit from google.com's explanation. 

"Google Analytics shows you how people found your site, how they explored it, and how you can enhance their visitor experience. Improve your website return on investment, increase conversions, and make more money on the web.

With over 80 reports, your free Google Analytics account will track visitors through your site, and will keep track of the performance of your marketing campaigns" 

In order to sign up an account, you just create/need one with your Gmail address, Google Analytics and you are ready for one.

How much does Google Analytics cost?

It costs absolutely FREE, Yes, It is free, But this FREE service offers a great source of web-stats you will ever experience to gather information about your website. Moreover, if you are generating money from AdSense or promoting your website as AdWords, you will also need to know how it works. Formally, as of today, AdWords advertising campaign has built-in Google Analytics.

Now, you got google analytics ready. It's time to add wordpress plug-in into your wordpress.

Acquiring Google Analytics plug-in for Wordpress

First download the file and read the instruction here.

This section describes how to install the plugin and get it working.

1. Delete any existing gapp folder from the /wp-content/plugins/ directory
2. Upload gapp folder to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory
3. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress
4. Go to the options panel under the 'Plugins' menu and add your Analytics account number and set the settings you want.

To obtai Analytics account number, you just create one profile in Google Analytics and Google will generate a code, for example, U-1234567-8, you just insert the code in plugins option of wordpress.

There, you are good to trackeverything about your website.. 

Initialize the name of your website or blog

Every website starts with something .. a name..

I personally tried blogspot and wordpress and I decided to work on wordpress which will give me more flexibilities in the future. It is true that you can have your own domain name www.yourname.com hosted on either blogspot and wordpress blogs. My decision is to use one of my domain names and my web hosting to run on. Because it will give me opportunity to maintain my own website as well as advertising and referral programs that I may be using in the future. On the other hand, both blogspot and wordpress can have plug-ins for displaying ADS, especially google ads.. and just a couple of clicks away for you to implement. 

For domain names & web hosting.. there are many domain name providers all over the world. I suggest gkg.net, godaddy.com or register.com they are realiable and quick to maintain.   

For webhosting, do some research before you get any hosting.. I would suggest sites such as  findmyhosting.com, hostindex.com, and webhosting.resourceindex.com The budget for your fully working website should not exceed more than $60 a year. So that you can operate better at low cost. But make sure you do enough research before you sign up with any web hosting company.

source: http://infomm.com

Hello world! The New Beginning.

Welcome to my site. My name is Nanda Linn Aung.. I am usually known as Linn, which is my middle name as well as nick name, of course.

I am going to start my own blog site, to experience and share my knowledge regarding how to make money from internet.. Of course, this is not achieved overnight.. Goggle turned 10 years officially this month, they have done pretty good, in fact, they have done the best in earning money as far as human society has experienced..

However, as an individuals, you and I are going to create and generate money from nothing and this is going to be a prove that we all can make money if we have true passions, enough determinations, sensible thoughts, relevant research and consistent contributions to our ambition.

I have my 9-5 day job as IT project manager. I am neither full time blogger or big time internet surfer, however, I will start to blog regularly, maybe once a week or more, everything comes from my own writing and summarizations from other point of views, research materials with fully references. I am neither from literature background as well, be warned that I cannot produce absolutely correct grammar, but I am confident that I can make you understand with my simple sentence construction.

I will probably add some referrals and clickable ads on my site, other than that, i will not support crazy ads campaign on my site... I decided to create this site to make money, especially to maintain the techqnies that we can make money. This is the living proof that you and me, we all can earn money if we believe in ourselves. The biggest difference about my website is I am not located at North America where you can clear cheques and money order easily.. I am currently working in South East Asia, to be precise, in Cambodia. My main intension is even we are not in United States or Canada, we can basically create wealth from doing what we love.

Cut to the chase, I will personally experiment the options available and you will get the result.. So, you can start your own earnings faster than I am and quicker than I am.. Because I always want to try alot of things as a human beings and I want to experience most of the things all by myself. Call me a bit experimental, I love doing my own way..

this http://nandalinnaung.blogspot.com will be my mirror site and my main site will be INFOMM dot com.

Thanks for reading.

best regards,

Linn

Chelsea earned point from Kalou

Unlikely hero Salomon Kalou salvaged a point and preserved Chelsea's 85-game unbeaten home record at the end of a breathless 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

GlynKirk/GettyImages

Salomon Kalou heads home the leveller

The visitors had led for much of the contest following Park Ji-sung's first-half tap-in.

But 10 minutes from time, after Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and Michael Ballack had tried and failed to break down United's stubborn defence, Kalou exposed United's poor offside trap by nodding home John Mikel Obi's free-kick 10 minutes from time.

Not for the first time in his illustrious career, Ferguson's team selection caused an outbreak of head scratching among United's army of fans.

Yet his choice of Park and Darren Fletcher worked a dream, especially with the Scot switching to the middle of midfield, a move that saw Owen Hargreaves take up a right-wing station.

Identifying Chelsea's full-backs Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole as major attacking threats, Ferguson chose to put his two most energetic men in direct opposition, keeping the home pair occupied defensively and stifling their threat in attack.

Despite their poor recent form, the Red Devils showed their attacking intent from the start, when Fletcher turned Hargreaves' low cross wide, and Chelsea, having lost Deco just before kick-off after the Portugal star was injured in the warm-up, could not get into their stride even though they could call upon Michael Ballack as replacement.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's team was further disrupted when Ricardo Carvalho hobbled off after just 12 minutes, so there was always a nagging fear Joe Cole's failure to find the net when he robbed Patrice Evra to give himself a clear sight of goal was going to prove costly.

Chelsea, already given one let off when Petr Cech's wayward clearance gave first Dimitar Berbatov, then Wayne Rooney the chance to launch speculative efforts at the home goal, survived again when Rooney set up Ferdinand, only for the home keeper to save with his legs.

But on their next attack, United finally prospered as Patrice Evra galloped past Bosingwa to reach Rooney's inspired through ball.

Evra's pinpoint cross found Berbatov and while Cech was once again equal to the shot, Park had the easiest of tasks to bundle home the rebound.

After spending nearly half an hour on the back foot, Chelsea finally got into their stride.

Gary Neville's back header spread panic in the visitors defence and when Edwin van der Sar came off worst in a collision with Florent Malouda, who might easily have scored, the veteran Dutchman was eventually forced from the field.

Chelsea's improved performance also brought out the spikier side in Paul Scholes, who was booked, although, with Nicolas Anelka also firing over on a couple of occasions, it was not until the arrival of Didier Drogba - following a brief delay due to an offending bracelet - that the home side really upped the ante.

Joe Cole should have done more with Anelka's low cross than prod it straight at Evra, then Jonny Evans - preferred to Wes Brown in central defence - got in the way of Bosingwa's shot.

Ferguson's response was to bring on Cristiano Ronaldo, who put the Chelsea defence on red alert with his direct running but also shamed himself with a blatant dive as Frank Lampard made a tackle.

In ignoring Anelka's pleas for a pass as Michael Ballack split United's defence wide open, Joe Cole needed to do better than blast his shot straight at Kuszczak, who was quickly becoming one of the visitors key men.

There would have been nothing the Pole could do to keep out Anelka's effort 18 minutes from time though as, from four yards out and with the goal at his mercy, the Frenchman inexplicably failed to make contact with Bosingwa's cross, the ball bouncing to safety off the Frenchman's standing leg.

But just as a wobbling Chelsea had eventually tumbled in the first-half, so United did the same 10 minutes from time.

In chopping down Ashley Cole, Rooney not only picked up his side's fifth booking. He also provided John Mikel Obi with the opportunity to float over a free-kick to the edge of the United six-yard box where the visitors, getting their marking and offside trap hopelessly wrong, left Kalou on his own to nod home the equaliser.

The game ended in bad tempered fashion as United, who had seven players booked, complained bitterly at referee Mike Riley for his handling of the game as Drogba was receiving treatment after being clattered by Ferdinand.

source: soccernet

city thrashed pompey

Manchester City's players put Portsmouth to the sword with a scintillating display in a 6-0 win that was timed perfectly to impress their watching new chairman.

AlexLivesey/GettyImages

Jo runs to celebrate with Robinho

With Khaldoon Al Mubarak in attendance, City - inspired by their superstar Brazilian Robinho - ripped Portsmouth apart with a six-goal spectacular.

Jo, Richard Dunne, Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips - plus substitutes Ched Evans and Gelson Fernandes - each scored in a stunning all-round display.

• Hughes delighted with super show

It was humiliation for Portsmouth, and in particular a match to forget for goalkeeper David James - who was partly culpable for several of the home side's goals.

Mark Hughes, the City manager, has been promised time to break into the top four by the club's new owners from Abu Dhabi. But after this, expectations will be sky-high.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp started off with an unfashionable 3-5-2 line-up and must have regretted it as City pulled the defence apart from the start.

James had already made two good saves, from Robinho and Wright-Phillips, when City went ahead in the 13th minute.

Jo, a handful for the centre-backs all afternoon, was the man to get it - as Al Mubarak applauded from the directors' box.

Robinho slid a pass that caught Younes Kaboul flat-footed to find his fellow Brazilian. As James came racing out, Jo rounded him easily and side-footed the ball into the empty net.

Peter Crouch glanced a header over the bar from a corner as Portsmouth tried to hit back quickly, but almost immediately were 2-0 down.

James had to shoulder some of the blame for this one. Elano's clever corner towards the near post nearly caught him out, and he could only parry the ball for Dunne to bundle home from close range.

Portsmouth then had a spell where they managed to match City and create several chances, but wasted their opportunities to claw their way back.

Crouch came within inches, slamming Glen Johnson's low centre just the wrong side of the post; then Kaboul spooned a shot over from 12 yards, after Sol Campbell had headed down Nadir Belhadj's free-kick.

Campbell saw his goal-bound header blocked on the line by Pablo Zabaleta, before Lassana Diarra's shot was diverted over his own bar by Dunne.

But Robinho could scent his second goal in as many games and the 24-year-old nearly scored with some outrageous skill, only to be denied by a block.

Within seconds of the re-start, Jermain Defoe burst through on goal ahead of Micah Richards but finished woefully - poking his shot wide ... and that was that for Portsmouth.

City's third goal arrived in the 57th minute - and to general delight in the stadium, the scorer was that man Robinho. It was made by the irrepressible Stephen Ireland, who robbed Armand Traore and floated a ball over the top for Jo to knock into his compatriot's path - and Robinho finished expertly with a low strike into the corner.

The fourth was if anything even more popular with the City fans, as Wright-Phillips made it on to the scoresheet. Ireland was the provider again, delivering a perfect pass for Wright-Phillips to run on to and hammer a shot from a narrow angle past James at his near post.

Evans made it five after Robinho's step-overs flummoxed Campbell; Wright-Phillips executed a Brazilian-style back-heel, and the 19-year-old Welshman completed the job neatly from eight yards out.

Portsmouth were so shell-shocked it was no surprise when the sixth arrived. Robinho's cross from the left was dangerous; James just managed to stop Wright-Phillips from getting to it, but Fernandes followed up to slam the loose ball home.

Robinho was given a thunderous standing ovation when he was substituted with a few minutes remaining, before Evans crashed a volley a couple of yards too high.

Only the final whistle brought relief for Portsmouth.

Hughes delighted with super show

Mark Hughes saluted his six-shooters after Manchester City crushed Portsmouth to signal the start of the new era at Eastlands.

He said: "It was the best performance by one of my teams by a country mile. If you had to pick any day to impress people today was the day to do it.

"From start to finish our drive and determination and our ability to pick the right pass and create chances was evident for all to see. It was a fantastic day for us.

"Portsmouth are a good side but today they were not allowed to play their game.''

Jo, Richard Dunne, Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips plus substitutes Ched Evans and Gelson Fernandes each scored in a stunning all-round display.

Hughes picked out Robinho, Stephen Ireland, Wright-Phillips and Vincent Kompany as the star performers.

He added: "There were outstanding personal performances within a great team performance.

"Stephen Ireland again was exceptional and has been for many weeks, and we hope we can sustain him.

"Robinho will grab headlines and rightly so and there were good performances by Vincent and Shaun and a clean sheet as well.

"In the end I was taking people off to allow them a standing ovation - and that's the only reason I made the substitutions to be perfectly honest.''

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was shell-shocked and admitted his defence and goalkeeper David James had an awful game.

Redknapp said: "I'm bitterly disappointed - I didn't see that coming as we were a team on form on the back of three fantastic wins .

"We gave away two terrible goals in the first half, but towards the end of the first half we had some chances and thought we could get back into this game.

"Jermain Defoe had a chance just after the break and then they played a pass and there were two of them running through on our goal. Our defensive play today was abysmal.''

Redknapp said he was not envious about Hughes spending power, and insisted his defence had played out of character.

He added: "It was a chapter of errors and they did not have much to say for themselves afterwards.

"Tomorrow we will have a meeting and look at all the goals and where we went wrong.'

source: soccernet

Man Utd bus was attacked

Manchester United's team bus was attacked as it left Stamford Bridge tonight.


Sir Alex Ferguson's side were making their way to Euston for their return journey to the north-west after the 1-1 draw with Chelsea when a bottle was hurled at the windscreen.

No-one was injured, although the windscreen was cracked.

Nevertheless, the team continued on their short trip across London without further incident.

United officials were eager to play down the incident afterwards.

"Yes. There was an incident but the matter is now in the hands of the police,'' said a club spokesman.

Last time United visited the stadium Patrice Evra became involved in a heated post-match exchange with Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell which is still the subject of an FA investigation while Rio Ferdinand was forced to apologise to a female steward after kicking a ball at her in anger.

Today's encounter was not much less contentious, with United picking up seven yellow cards from referee Mike Riley which will now see them fined by the FA.

A Chelsea statement tonight read: "We are aware of reports of an altercation with the Manchester United bus as it left the Stamford Bridge area.

"It appears to be an isolated incident but we have launched a full investigation in conjunction with local authorities.

"We do not condone violence in any shape or form. If, as a result of our investigations, we find that any Chelsea supporters were involved we will take appropriate action against those individuals.''

NBA fines Heat’s Beasley $50,000

Miami Heat rookie Michael Beasley was fined $50,000 by the NBA on Thursday after acknowledging that he was involved in an incident involving teammate Mario Chalmers and Memphis’ Darrell Arthur at the Rookie Transition Program this month.

The NBA said Beasley, the No. 2 overall pick, originally failed to cooperate with the league investigation of the matter. The Heat said Beasley eventually chose to reveal that he was part of the incident.

Chalmers and Arthur, former Kansas teammates, were fined $20,000 apiece last week after being banished from the rookie symposium. They were found in a room at the resort where the event was taking place with two women—which violated NBA policy for the event. Security at the resort said the scent of marijuana was detected, but no drugs or drug paraphernalia were found, and Chalmers and Arthur both insisted they were not using any illegal substances.

Beasley’s involvement in the incident is not clear. He filed papers to dissolve the relationship with his agent, Joel Bell, last week, and was not available for comment Thursday.

“While we are disappointed with Michael’s involvement, we are pleased that he chose to come forward and stand with his teammate and accept the consequences of his actions,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. “We are hopeful that both Michael and Mario have learned from this experience and we will have no further comment on the subject.”

None of the three players will be suspended by the league. Chalmers and Arthur will have to repeat the symposium, which teaches incoming NBA players how to handle the on- and off-court rigors of life in the league, next summer.

source: yahoo sports

Rockets buy loads of supplies for Ike victims

The Houston Rockets purchased four tractor-trailers full of food, water and toiletries for victims of Hurricane Ike and players unloaded them at a distribution center Thursday.

The four trucks carried 80,000 pounds of supplies, said team spokeswoman Tracey Hughes.

Forwards Mike Harris and Chuck Hayes and guards Rafer Alston, Aaron Brooks and Luther Head carried boxes of food and orange juice. They greeted motorists who waited in long lines to get supplies in the parking lot next to the University of Houston’s football stadium.

Rockets chief executive officer Tad Brown said the team tapped its relationship with Feed the Children, an international charity, to bring the trucks to Houston from Oklahoma City.

The Rockets and Feed the Children worked together three years ago during hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The charity also helped Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo with his foundation that supports efforts to improve education and quality of life for people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander started organizing the shipments on Monday night and the trucks were on the road by Wednesday afternoon, Brown said.

“It was an easy decision to do something very quickly,” Brown said. “We had the infrastructure in place to do it.”

Brown said the Toyota Center, built to withstand a direct hit from a Category 5 hurricane, sustained no damage from Ike. Brooks gathered seven family members, left his house and spent the night of the storm in a luxury suite.

“It seemed like the safest place to be,” Brooks said.

Head, a Chicago native, flew home Sept. 11, two days before the storm hit, and returned to Houston on Monday. He saw the storm damage on his drive back from the airport.

“Trees in highways, houses with windows busted out, rooftops gone,” Head said. “I was just hoping my house wasn’t as bad as the things I was seeing. When I got there, I saw that I didn’t have much damage, just my electricity was off. I felt fortunate, but I also felt bad for the people who lost more.”

Brown said none of the Rockets were permanently displaced, but more than half of the team’s staff still had no power at their homes Thursday. Power was restored at Head’s house Wednesday night.

“The one thing about a hurricane or a disaster like this, it doesn’t matter how much you make, it doesn’t matter what profession you have, it doesn’t matter if you’re a pro athlete or an account executive, we’re all going through the same things,” Brown said.

source: chris duncan

Cuban posts, removes e-mails on Josh Howard

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says forward Josh Howard realizes his comments about the national anthem were wrong and the player has apologized.

In his online blog, Cuban also responded to e-mails he has received commenting on the player’s remarks by saying Howard “will work with us” and “beyond that, it’s a private issue.”

Cuban posted a number of the inflammatory replies on his blog Thursday night, with the apparent e-mail addresses of the senders.

But by Friday night, Cuban’s remarks slugged “Thanks for the advice on Josh” had been removed from the blog and replaced with a posting saying “I made my point.”

Howard’s comments, in a video posted on the Web site YouTube, show him on a football field at a charity flag football game. As the national anthem plays in the background, Howard approaches a camera and says: “‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ is going on right now. I don’t even celebrate that (expletive). I’m black.”

Some e-mails that Cuban posted made blatant racist remarks about Howard. Others suggested Howard should move to another country, be fined or fired.

Cuban’s updated response said his original posting was “the right thing to do,” but he says it left him with an upset stomach all day Friday.

“I thought it was important to point out the hatred and ignorance of so many who quickly judge people they have never met, based purely on soundbites and headlines,” Cuban wrote late Friday. “I wanted to point out the irony of them experiencing the onslaught of attention from suddenly and unexpectedly being placed in the media spotlight from a throwaway comment.”

Cuban said he knew those e-mailers would be receiving “the same level of hate, ignorance and judgment as Josh had and that’s what bothered me all day.”

Cuban ended by saying: “Hopefully something good came from it being posted.”

Cuban did not immediately respond Friday night to an e-mail from The Associated Press.

source: DIANA HEIDGERD, Associated Press Writer

Arsenal welcome Kroenke on board

Arsenal have welcomed American billionaire Stan Kroenke onto their board as a non-executive director as they attempt to stave off a potential takeover from Uzbek oligarch Alisher Usmanov.

AP

Stan Kroenke: Arsenal's unexpected knight in shining armour.

The billionaire owner of Kroenke Sports Enterprises holds 12.4% of shares in Arsenal Holdings PLC and his appointment marks a thaw in the relationship between himself and Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood. However, Kroenke has not signed up to the 'lockdown' agreement drawn up by board members last year which prevents the trading of shares without the consent of fellow directors.

Following Kroenke's initial investment in April 2007 Hill-Wood famously remarked that Arsenal did not want "his sort"; but the club's directors have been establishing closer links with the American since Russian billionaire Usmanov, the club's largest shareholder, began raising his stake in the club to 24.9%.

In a statement released on Friday morning the Gunners hierarchy claimed Kroenke was fully behind their business model - a thinly-veiled attack on the owner-funded approach that would come with an Usmanov takeover.

"Mr Kroenke fully supports the approach the board has taken in setting the direction of the club," the statement read.

"The board believes Mr Kroenke's experience in sports team commercial management, sports marketing, media and new media rights as well as real estate development will be of great value."

Kroenke has agreed not to increase his stake beyond 29.9% of Arsenal's share capital in the next year unless a takeover bid is launched by Usmanov or another party, in which case he could do so with the consent of the board.

"It is a real honour to be invited to join the board of Arsenal given their pre-eminent reputation and position in football worldwide," said Denver-based Kroenke, who through KSE has owned the St Louis Rams, Denver Nuggets and Colorado Rapids in his homeland.

"I hope my background in sports management will be an asset to Arsenal in their commercial dealings going forward."

Hill-Wood added: "We are delighted to welcome Stan to the board of Arsenal.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience through his direct involvement in sports clubs in the US and we expect to benefit from his commercial insights and knowledge."

•  Kroenke's invitation to join the Arsenal board comes on the same day the club revealed a pre-tax profit of £36.7million for the year ending May 2008.

The Gunners continue to reap the rewards of their move to the Emirates Stadium with the club having announced that gate and match day revenue totalled £94.6million, which represents some 45% of their overall football revenues.

The club moved to the 60,000-capacity stadium from Highbury in July 2006, and Hill-Wood claimed that it has put the club in a strong position to help manager Arsene Wenger develop the playing side.

He said: "This club is ambitious for success and I believe that the strong financial position which the group has established, as confirmed by the results for the year, provides the best possible platform from which to deliver that success for the long term.

"We are committed to operating the club as a business which is financially self-sustaining and over the last two seasons Emirates Stadium has taken our football revenues to a new level.

"During the year we have improved and extended the contract terms of a large number of first team players and, of course, of Arsene Wenger himself.

"As a result, for the first time, the Group's wage bill has exceeded nine figures at £101.3 million."

The club confirmed that their overall debt position rose to an overall £318.1million but they had expected it to increase because of the use of bank debt to fund the construction of apartments at Highbury Square.

A significant level of property sales are anticipated for 2008-09 with a large number of Highbury Square apartments scheduled to be completed and released for sale which would reduce the debt.

Legally completed sales from the first phase of 65 apartments released at the end of July have so far generated sales proceeds of £18.7million.

source: soccernet

Smith sidelines until end of this year

Newcastle United are a managerless club that are up for sale and now the club's misfortune has filtered down to the playing staff with the news that midfielder Alan Smith could be sidelined for three months.


The 27-year-old former Manchester United player needs to undergo surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot and is unlikely to play again this year.

Caretaker boss Chris Hughton said: "Alan Smith will have an operation which could keep him out for about three months."

Having inherited a squad already depleted by suspension and injury from Kevin Keegan, who quit as manager of the Magpies earlier this month, the news is a big blow to Hughton.

Newcastle suffered the indignity of losing at home to newly promoted Hull City in the first game of the post Keegan era the caretaker boss needs all his players fit.

Smith, a £6million Sam Allardyce signing, struggled to establish himself at St James' Park in his first season and has not figured at all during the current campaign.

But although the player is yet to win over the fans, both Allardyce and Keegan were delighted with his attitude and effort.

Indeed, it is understood one of the reasons for Keegan's resignation was the club's efforts to offload him, along with several other high-earners, as the summer transfer window drew to a close.

source: soccernet

Ronaldo desperate to face Chelsea

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is begging manager Sir Alex Ferguson to let him play against title rivals Chelsea on Sunday after making his return from injury against Villarreal on Wednesday night.

MikeEgerton/Empics

Cristiano Ronaldo: Back after ankle surgery

The 23-year-old winger, who scored 42-goals for United last season, underwent ankle surgery in July and despite courting a move to Real Madrid during the transfer window he received a rapturous reception from the fans at Old Trafford when he came off the bench to make his season debut.

With Ferguson's side lacking goals (they have scored just four times in five competitive matches so far this season) and Ronaldo chomping at the bit, he would seem certain to start the crucial clash but the United manager insists he has not yet made his mind up.

"Cristiano is bursting to play," Ferguson said. "He has trained very well and is a natural athlete, so I have no qualms on that score. I just have to decide whether it is the right time."

Ronaldo has already warned the Blues that he will do the damage for United when the Premier League favourites face off and insists he is ready to strike back if they attempt to muscle him out at Stamford Bridge.

"I know that the attempts to intimidate me on the pitch will start again immediately - but everyone finds sooner or later that it is difficult to make me lose my rag," he said.

"I'll be booted again but I will not kick out when it happens. I'm tough and, again, it's all just part of the spectacle.

"I'll do my damage as usual by paying them all back with my goals."

Ferguson would certainly welcome Ronaldo's scoring touch as United must put end to a relatively barren run if they are not to fall nine points adrift of Chelsea, a staggering gap even if the Old Trafford outfit would still have a game in hand.

"I just want my team to put the ball into the net,'' said the Scot.

"We are simply not scoring enough goals to turn the whole thing round.

"But it will come. By October we will be fine. I have no doubt in my mind about that.''

Although Dimitar Berbatov is fit, it seems highly unlikely the £30million man will play alongside Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney.

If any of the quartet were to stand down, on current form it would be Rooney, who looked a shadow of the player who starred for England in Croatia as United drew their midweek blank.

Yet Ferguson claims to be unconcerned, meaning Berbatov's lack of recent match practice may see him consigned to the bench, where Owen Hargreaves could also find himself now that Paul Scholes is back from suspension.

The United boss also has a major dilemma in defence, where Wes Brown and Jonny Evans could both replace the banned Nemanja Vidic, with Gary Neville coming in at right-back if the younger man got the nod.

While facing Chelsea is nothing new in itself, going toe to toe with Scolari will be for Ferguson, who was not always complimentary about the Brazilian's handling of Ronaldo.

It is a challenge he is relishing, even if the language barrier means the personal duel may lack some of the intensity of his scraps with Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.

"It is interesting,'' said Ferguson.

"You wait to see what impact a manager has.

"You want to know whether they are going to change their style or what type of players they will buy in. You also want to know what his principles are and what he believes in because all managers are different.''

Scolari's major changes appear to be pushing both his full-backs further forward and introducing Deco - Ronaldo's former international team-mate - who is less forceful in style than now injured midfield colleague Michael Essien but seems to be just as effective.

"Deco is a nice footballer,'' Ferguson said.

"He is diminutive and clever. He does not have the same athleticism as Essien but it does not make them any less as a team.''

Chelsea's 84-game unbeaten record on home soil provides United with a challenge to overcome.

"It is a great challenge for us because Chelsea have not lost at home for so long.

"I know a lot of people do not expect us to win, which is unusual for our club. That is the challenge. Let's get on with it.''

source: soccernet

Dunn blow for Rovers

Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince feels like he has been dealt "a kick in the ribs" with the news key midfielder David Dunn could be out until the new year.


Dunn faces surgery on an Achilles injury sustained earlier in the season which recently failed to respond to injections.

The 28-year-old now faces up to four months on the sidelines which has come as a bitter pill for Ince to swallow.

"We gave him an injection a couple of weeks ago, hoping that would do the trick, but he's not getting there so we've no option but to put him under the knife," confirmed Ince.

"It's a massive blow to us, and especially for the lad because he has been fantastic on and off the field.

"I gave him the responsibility of being vice-captain, which he took on board and he has been bubbly since I gave him that role.

"When you think about him, he is 28 now, but three or four years ago he would have been worth £15million or £16million.

"That's the type of player we're losing. It's a kick in the ribs, but we're going to have to get on with it.

"He is obviously devastated, which I can totally understand because he has been playing well.

"He is a unique player in what he does. There are not many of his like around.

"He is a special case, and that's why it's so disappointing to lose him."

Ince has also learned Australia midfielder Vince Grella, signed for £4million from Torino last month, will be out until the middle of next month with a calf injury.

"There are things that appear to be conspiring against us," added Ince.

Centre-back Andre Ooijer at least returns for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League visit of Fulham to Ewood Park after missing last week's 4-0 home defeat to Arsenal with a hamstring injury.

source: soccernet

Man City talks still in progress, claims Ronaldo

Brazil striker Ronaldo has again claimed he is in talks with Manchester City and believes it is a "big possibility" he could soon be playing in the Premier League.


The out-of-contract 31-year-old reckons he is within two to three months of a return to competitive action after being sidelined since February with a knee-ligament injury.

City, who are close to finalising a takeover by the Abu Dhabi-based United Group, confirmed on Tuesday they had spoken to Ronaldo and his representatives but would not be looking to sign the player.

However, Ronaldo claims the switch could still be on and that a move to England is uppermost in his thoughts.

"Yes, it is a big possibility," he said, when asked by French daily L'Equipe if he was tempted by playing in the Premier League.

"Manchester City are in the process of putting in place an unbelievable project, with some great players.

"A project which is long term but which could get immediate results because City want to topple the existing order of world football.

"We are in the process of talking to them. So we will see."

The Brazilian, who believes his recovery from his knee injury is going "marvellously well", has played down fears about his fitness.

"People can say what they want," he added. "Let's just say I am above my usual weight, but that is normal. That isn't surprising - I have gone five months without training.

"There is nothing illogical about putting on a few kilos. They can say what they want, it doesn't bother me.

"I am going to continue to work hard and to look to reach my goal, to get back playing football. Like before."

Ronaldo also revealed an interest in playing in the French league, with Paris St Germain - a club that has taken in a number of high-profile Brazilians such as Ronaldinho and Rai - his preferred destination.

"I have never received an offer from a French club, (but) I would love to," he said.

"I love Paris. I have a flat there and I often go over there.

"PSG are currently in the process of building something beautiful. They have recruited some good players and they have built a team capable of winning the title."

source: soccernet

Zola hoping to avoid injury jinx at West Ham

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola is hoping he will be luckier than his predecessor when it comes to injuries.


The Italian takes charge of a team for the first time tomorrow when the Hammers play host to Newcastle United.

Alan Curbishley, who walked out on the club earlier in the month after the sale of players without his full backing, often had to make do without experienced players through lack of fitness

Striker Dean Ashton has already been ruled out of tomorrow's clash and fellow forward Craig Bellamy is unlikely to feature either but Zola, who has brought in a new fitness coach, was confident he would fare better.

He said: "I know that at this club there have been a lot of injuries and we have been very unlucky. We have been working hard trying to improve this and with a bit of luck it will.

"I don't know the training system they had before and I don't want to say we had loads of injuries because of that. When Alan was here he did a great job and I hope I can carry on from that job."

Zola watched last week's 3-2 defeat at West Brom from the stands before taking charge on Monday and revealed he intended to sharpen up the Hammers in all areas.

He said: "Obviously you also have to keep a balance. The idea is to get to the point where we play offensive football as much as possible. But we also have to work on the defence.

"We are trying to look at things defensively but also passing the ball."

The Hammers finished 10th under Curbishley last term and Zola made it clear he expected better come May.

He said: "We need to improve on last season. That is our main target although I have just stepped into the job and I have to work on the team, so I can't say what the possibilities are.

"But I am sure that if the players carry on working as they have been, with spirit and attitude, then we can do a good job."

One area Zola has no plans to revamp concerns the players' diets.

He said: "I went to the canteen and I enjoyed the food very much so I don't want to change that part.

"I haven't had pie and mash yet but I hope I can have a big dish of it after Newcastle. They are very professional here in that way. The food is okay."

source: soccernet

Fergie and Wenger back walk away managers

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger have both backed Kevin Keegan and Alan Curbishley's decisions to quit their jobs after the duo rebelled against interference from their respective boards.


Curbishley was first to go at the start of the month after becoming disillusioned with West Ham United's transfer policy which, he claimed, undermined him.

Then, within the week, Keegan walked out of the job at Newcastle United pointing to similar interference from boardroom level. His departure caused chaos on Tyneside as fans protested against the board and embattled owner Mike Ashley later announced he had put the club up for sale.

Speaking at a dinner at the League Managers' Association, Ferguson said: "We need strong, capable managers who can stand up against those that try and change the principles of the game."

"The fear is that we have owners that will [make managers] become project managers or basically just fitness coaches who will determine who out of the 16 are the fittest on the day.

"I admire Kevin Keegan and I admire Alan Curbishley as they went on a matter of principle, the principle being they are not in control of their team any longer - players were trying to be sold over their heads and so therefore they walked because it is a matter of principle and I totally agree with them."

The Scot - in charge at Old Trafford since 1986 - said that he could never see the board interfering at Old Trafford and if they ever did he simply would not stand for it.

Ferguson said: "At no point in our history has the board ever overruled a manager. It won't happen in my time."

In a rare show of camaraderie Wenger, Arsenal boss for almost 12 years, agreed with his Premier League rival.

"The manager is a strong guide inside the club and has to establish his authority and demonstrate he is in complete control," Wenger said.

"If you have no control but are still responsible for the defeats then that is unbearable."

Wenger added: "The manager is the most important man at the club, if not why do you sack the manager if it isn't going well?

"I believe our [Wenger and Ferguson] luck is that we could work with our ideas, and I know if I lose a game I have to look inside as that is where I can find the solutions."

source: soccernet

Real Madrid midfielder Gago out for a month

Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago will be out of action for a month, the club confirmed on Thursday.


The Argentina international had to be substituted after just over half an hour of Madrid's Champions League victory over BATE Borisov on Wednesday and medical tests have revealed the 22-year-old has injured a muscle in his left leg.

A statement on the club website read: "Medical tests this Thursday have diagnosed that the Argentinian is suffering from a Grade II fibrilar tear in the femoral biceps of the left muscle.

"The time estimated for his layoff is four weeks."

Gago will miss the Primera Liga games against Racing Santander, Sporting Gijon, Real Betis, Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, as well as the Champions League ties against Zenit St Petersburg and possibly Juventus.

source: soccernet

'Four Associations tournament' to begin in 2011

Scotland manager George Burley gave his approval to the 4 Associations Tournament which will involve his team, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in spring 2011.


The competition will take place in Dublin with the first two matches being played in February and four more following in May.

It will be on a league basis with the four sides playing for the 4 Associations Cup.

He told PA Sport: "We will have two games and that will be exciting. I am sure the people of the Republic will be looking forward to that and the Tartan Army will be out in force.

"All these fixtures are never easy to fit into the calendar but these dates suit everyone at the minute.

"I'm sure we'll look at it and see how it goes and if it's a success for everyone then we can try and carry it on.''

George Peat, president of the Scottish Football Association, believes the tournament will capture the imagination of fans in the competing nations.

"I am absolutely delighted that the 4 Association tournament has become a reality,'' he said.

"When we sat down to discuss the plans, we were all excited about putting on a tournament that would celebrate the game and give our fans a great experience.

"This new event will do exactly that and we certainly look forward to taking part and, of course, hopefully winning it in 2011.''

Welsh counterpart Peter Rees added: "The Football Association of Wales is delighted to be part of this celebration event in Dublin in 2011.

"We look forward to crossing swords with our two cousins from across the Irish Sea, as well as Scotland in friendly rivalry. I am sure Welsh football fans will be delighted with this news.''

Irish Football Association chief executive Howard Wells expects the tournament to yield financial dividends for the home nations.

"This visionary tournament is exciting and provides all four countries with the opportunity of measuring progress in terms of international development,'' he said.

"For supporters it also provides a real opportunity to see first-class competition live and within easy access.

"From a commercial and tourism perspective it will provide a showcase for governments to support and market.''

The tournament represents the effective re-establishment of the British Home Championship which was shelved in 1984, albeit with the Republic taking the place of England.

Chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland John Delaney said: "We are delighted to host the 4 Associations tournament.

"This will be the first time Ireland has hosted a senior international tournament and the atmosphere around Dublin will be tremendous, especially with thousands of visiting supporters from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland expected to travel for the matches.

"The tournament will be a fitting celebration for our fantastic new stadium (the rebuilt Lansdowne Road) which is on schedule for completion in 2010.''

The English FA were not expected to sanction England's involvement in any home tournament after frequently showing little enthusiasm for such an event in recent years.

An FA spokesman told PA Sport: "As there are limited international dates for opportunities to play nations from outside Europe, we like to use several dates to play teams from South America, Africa and Asia.

"Otherwise the only time we would get to play such countries is restricted to World Cups.

"We have played several fixtures against the home nations since 1999 and our preference is to play one-off games rather than a tournament - if they fit in with the manager's plans.

"Clearly friendly dates - at a premium - are important to the manager as preparation for qualifying matches and tournaments.

"Due to this, we regularly try to select opponents who will help prepare the team for the style we are likely to face.''

source: soccernet

Kiev "tried to destroy" Walcott, fumes Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has accused referee Luis Medina Cantalejo of turning a blind eye as Dynamo Kiev attempted to do a hatchet job on Theo Walcott during the Gunners' 1-1 Champions League draw in Ukraine.


Wenger believes that Kiev captain Andriy Nesmachniy "tried to destroy" his 19-year-old forward, who scored a hat-trick for England last week, and added that the left-back could have been shown the red card on a number of occasions.
The Arsenal manager said: ''The referee should have sent off the left-back three times at least during the game because he destroyed Walcott.''

But Walcott had the last laugh when he provided the cross from which William Gallas equalised Ismaël Bangoura's opener, after he had scored from the penalty spot.

Despite leaving Kiev with a draw Wenger was also unhappy at the time-keeping of the Spanish referee and his decision to award a spot kick for a foul by full-back Bacary Sagna.

Wenger said: "I wanted to understand how we had only three minutes of injury time, and then only played one minute."

"Every referee looks to have a different computer to calculate the in time and still I do not know and really understand how it works.

"It looks like it is through the inspiration of the referee and he could not explain it. He just said it was enough."

"When we got to 1-1, there was no game any more.

"We were on top, they looked very tired, but the game was finished because of the interruptions for injuries and stoppages.

"You could feel the game was there for the taking, but we had no more opportunity to play."

The Gunners boss added: "The penalty was harsh. Sagna is convinced he [Vukojevic] pulled him with his two hands on his shirt and then went down."

Fergie faces Evans dilemma for Chelsea match

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he faces a major selection dilemma ahead of Manchester United's trip to Chelsea on Sunday.


With Nemanja Vidic suspended following his red card at Liverpool on Saturday, Ferguson has a vacancy to fill in central defence.

Normally, the decision would be quite easy; simply shift Wes Brown from right-back, allowing Gary Neville to take up the position he has held for so long with club and country.

However, Jonny Evans made his own forceful claim for inclusion with a mature performance against Villarreal last night, which he almost capped with a late winner when he struck a post seven minutes from time.

And Ferguson accepts he now has some thinking to do.

"I have a decision to make on Sunday," he said.

"I need to work out whether I go with Evans' ability but lack of experience or whether I opt for Wes' experience and Gary at full-back.

"Gary was only playing his second competitive match last night but he did very well.

"That will bring him on if I decide to play him on Sunday but Evans was excellent as well."

The 20-year-old was making his fourth appearance for the Red Devils, although he has made 33 for Sunderland and won 11 caps for Northern Ireland.

And while the odds are that Ferguson will go for experience at Stamford Bridge, considering the importance of not losing and the involvement of Didier Drogba, the Belfast-born youngster cannot be excluded for long on the form he showed against the Spaniards at Old Trafford.

"Jonny was the big plus," said Ferguson.

"For a young man of 20, he shows great maturity in his game.

"He reads the game well, which is a fantastic asset to have at such a young age.

"He is commanding in the air and a good user of the ball and that gives me confidence that he could step right into the first team with no worries."

In contrast, there were signs of rustiness in Neville's game, particularly in his crossing, although that is only to be expected in his first competitive start since breaking his ankle against Bolton in March 2007.

After so long on the sidelines, the 33-year-old is eager to be involved again even if he accepts the need to be patient as he strives for top form.

"I just need games," he said.

"Having been out for so long I need a run in the side. But it is difficult to get that at the moment because Wes Brown has performed so well and deserves to play.

"It is just a case of remaining patient, keeping fit and training well every day.

"I have made steady progress and when you look at the programme of matches we have coming up I am sure there will be enough games for everyone."

Ferguson expects Brown to be 100% fit at the weekend after leaving him out with a minor niggle last night.

There is a far bigger question mark over Dimitar Berbatov, who suffered a knee injury in the defeat at Liverpool on Saturday.

The £30million Bulgaria forward's absence would be a body blow, particularly as Wayne Rooney has yet to score on United duty this season and turned in another below-par performance against Villarreal.

Ferguson could also suffer a personal hiccup if the Football Association decide to take issue with his comments relating to Keith Hackett's involvement in the decision to overturn the red card John Terry received at Manchester City.

In his position as general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, Hackett has strenuously denied Ferguson's allegation that he forcing Mark Halsey to change his report into the incident.

Ferguson privately maintains there was contact between the pair but it seems certain he will be asked to explain his comments.

It is a distraction the Scot could do without as he contemplates a contest where a repetition of their 'Conference-style' defending would almost certainly leave them nine points adrift of Luiz Felipe Scolari's men.

"It is always a big game when the top sides meet. That is why we were so disappointed at Liverpool," said Ferguson.

"We won't be giving goals away like we did on Saturday, I am sure of that."
source:soccernet